For many people planning an autumn getaway, short-haul European city breaks that promise late-season sunshine are at the top of the list. But as one of the UK’s most trusted travel journalists, Simon Calder, suggests, it’s time to cast our net wider. He believes that the travel landscape is shifting, with more direct flights opening up new, more affordable, and “very exciting” destinations.
On a recent episode of Holly Rubenstein’s podcast ‘The Travel Diaries,’ Simon highlighted everything from ancient cities in Algeria to Cape Verde and the Azores. Another surprising destination on his list was Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Simon said: “It used to be the case that you couldn’t fly from Tbilisi in Georgia from the UK. And suddenly, within a couple of days, British Airways and easyJet launched flights to Tbilisi.”
The travel guru continued: “And that’s a very exciting part of the world. Central Asia, Uzbekistan, is very much getting back to being more mainstream as well. So much exciting stuff to do.”
Tbilisi thrives in the autumn for many reasons. While temperatures in the UK are dropping, Georgia’s capital enjoys a pleasant climate, with average highs of 19.5C in October.
This mild, sunny weather is ideal for exploring on foot, and there’s also little rainfall, so you can leave the waterproofs at home.
Tbilisi has gained a reputation as a remarkably affordable travel destination, particularly for those coming from the UK and Western Europe. While prices have seen a slight increase in recent years due to growing popularity, the city remains an exceptional value for money.
In the Georgian capital, a pint of local beer in a bar or pub costs around £1.75, and meals out average £8 to £15.
Tbilisi’s appeal is a blend of old and new. The city’s ancient roots are on full display in the charming Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi), where a labyrinth of cobbled streets leads to traditional houses with distinctive wooden balconies.
You can wander this historic quarter and discover the domed roofs of the famous Sulfur Baths in the Abanotubani district.
For a taste of nature, take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, an ancient clifftop citadel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mtkvari River below. From the fortress, you can also see the iconic “Mother of Georgia” statue.
For a modern architectural marvel, stroll across the Bridge of Peace, a contemporary pedestrian bridge that glows with thousands of LED lights after dark.
Georgian food is a highlight of any trip, and Tbilisi is the perfect place to explore it. From the comforting warmth of khinkali (spiced meat or cheese dumplings) to the cheesy goodness of khachapuri (bread with cheese), the local cuisine is a hearty and delicious affair.
Pair these with a glass of local wine from one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions.
Travel Local explains that Georgia is widely considered to be the birthplace of wine. Archaeological evidence of winemaking dates back over 8,000 years, making it the oldest continuous winemaking tradition in the world.
In fact, the very word “wine” is believed to be derived from the Georgian word for it, ‘ghvino’.
Tbilisi has some excellent wine bars and tasting rooms within the city, but the most renowned vineyards and wineries are located in the Kakheti wine region, which is considered the heart of Georgian winemaking.
It’s a popular and easy day trip from Tbilisi, usually taking about a 1.5 to two-hour drive to reach the area’s main towns like Sighnaghi or Telavi.
October is also a festive time to visit the city, as it marks the Tbilisoba festival, a large-scale celebration of the city’s history and harvest. The streets come alive with music, folk dances, and food stalls, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Georgian culture.
